the north american mgb · the north american mgb register the .lic;u [)river is the oit~c~~~l...

THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER The .LIC;U [)river is the o i t ~ c ~ ~ ~ l puhlicolion of the North Amenccln MGB Register, a nil,L.p,l,,rL

orgcln~zution dcdicuted to rnulntuining a n d expanding interest in Britain's most pop~ilur sport, cclr-tht. MC.R - - . - . - .. .

The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authorr a n d readers arc womed that they attempt uny mechanical or other modifications described herein, entirely al their own n\k,

Membership in the North Arnerican bIGB Register is open to all, with n o rt.striaions. Ownership of an MG is riot u condition of membership. KAMGBR Regionul Chapters will be pleased to welcome you to their events. I l~lcmbcrsl~~p dues a re $30.00 pcr yeur.

For membership details or further informalion write to:

NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. Box 3203 Kent, Ohio 44240

Or call t h e toll-free hotline: 800-N.4h.lGBR-1 Or visit o u ~ website at : htt~:/lwww.namabr.orq/namqbr/

OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR

CH,~(IRMI\S: Duvid Dcutsch 8 1 hlerrick Avrnuc East Meadow, NY 11554 (516) 794-9004 mgtnan(<~optonlinc.nfl

SECRET.4RY: D Zimmcrman 81 1 S. DePeyslrr Slrc>et Kent. OH 44240 (330) 678-9394 bx: /330) 678-8568 enrnyrC.'sssnec.com

TRE.ASURER: SIISCI~ \I. Deugan 11825 Colurnb~a H~ghway Eaton Rapids, MI 48827-9278 151 71 663-6167

PCBLlClTY Richurd Liddlck COORDIXATOR: 5237 Glen Arm Roud

Glen Arm. LID 21057 (410) 817-6862 RGL2h~lCBGT@?c1ol.com

VICE-CI-1AIR1iAN: Nick Papyas 4601 Purk Hollow Circlc Bryc~n. TX 77802 (979) 776-3590 npcippus@usu.net

TREr\S4NrZMGBR@~uol.coln

COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR EDITOR Kirn Tonry .blC 6 Drfver: 4904 Puffer Rotld

Downers Gruvc, 11 60515 (630) 968-4347 \ AMGBRED@aol.com

ASSISTANT Robert Rushing EDITOR 5444 Sutherlanri .&venue .\.iGR Driver: St. Louis. hfO 63109

(314) 353-7655 mgslimeOswbell.net

CONVENTION! Tony &i Lynne Burgess AGM 318 Humpton Park COORDINATOR>: Wcst(!ri~ille. OH 43081

(614) 899-2394 (614) 899-2493 fux ~ I O R R I S L ~ I X R ( ~ ~ L I O I . ~ O ~ ~

ADVERTISING: Micllael Pentecost COORDTSATOR: 6801 Forest Lake Ct.

Suffolk. VA 23435 (757)484-5611 mopnhhp@verizon .net

TECHNICAL Roll Mason ADVISORS: 5 Leslie Court (\%-lien writing tu u t r~l~i~i~rr l Fuirhop. Al. 36532 odvbor. picast, (25 1) 928-5366 ! ~ r cerfolrt to ~nc lude ci \ ~ I I ~ ~ W L I . .~clf-

Rnb Daniels (engines, ctc.)

oddrr.sscd (5 18) 372-4566 . . e n v e l ~ y ~ t lor t!icir r~j)ly.l Glen Towery

(302) 734- 1243

Norrnun Nock (209) 948-8767

WERSITE Rick Bruwn COORDINATOR: P.O. Box 102

A~hun;, $1 08802 (908) 537-6877 inyi ick@mycurs.org uk

CONCOURS Rick lngram COORDINATOR: PO. Box 588

St. rnseph. 11. 61873 (21 7) 469-2007 h,lowog 10nol.com

SERVICE Bruce C. Wyckoff RECOblb~lESDATlON (269) 7.5-2625 COORDISATOR: ~nglielp@rni~ldsprin~.cOm

FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 49 The North Ame~ican MGB Registel. is affiliated to the MG Cur Club of Englclnd. The MC Car Club v founded in 1930 and IS the original. factory supported, und approved oryanization for all h,lGs, w the Club Headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthpl(ice of crll MCs. S The X4C.R DI- iw~ l ~ ~ j c IS u,nyriyht 1992 111. I<lc<ll lrnugeb untl u\ctl undc.r l~ccnsc b!; the I 'or~li ArniTi3ln HGR Rrglslcl-

L-ni;ulhon/ccl uw ~c:nslitulc.: 1:ifringcmt.nt.

Jab ith

The Editor's View -pring brings a renewal of MG "-,activity here in the North that - rivals the seasonal renewal of the ora and fauna. This year started rith a bang as the local village uthorities took exception to the four

MG parts/project cars in my drive. Oh weH, 1 was trying to get them out of ! here anyway-Diane's patience and tolerance have been remarkable-but it was time.

The Limeflower '73 GT was in poor shape and getting poorer. It IAras turning to iron oxide faster than

was getting body repairs done, specially as the series of major ?builds on Growler, my '79 Midget, >ok precedence the last few years. .nd finding a solid, already restored '4 BGT for Diane made it all the mger odds the GT would ever be

restored to roadworthiness. The smashed up '72 roadster

served well beyond its original pur- pose in coming here as a parts donor. It went back on the roud und served as transport to the shop for Growler's engine rebuild sessions. But a minor fender bender bent a lot of sheet

metal, and attempting to bend it back ended up highlighting how extensive the rust damage already was. So a lot of good spares for the GT are now in the shed and the rest has gone along with the GT and two M~dget parts cars to a local club parts recycler. Hopefully many of the bits and pleces of these cars will continue on keeping better preserved MGs on the road

But shortly ufter all the commo- tion of clearing the driveway on short notice, Growler returned from its winter storage and the spring driv~ng renewal was off in full swing.

Like is good. a Kim

The Hammer & Tongs Register Triple Crown Series Robert Rushing

Robert Rushing

Frontline CSpeed Conversion Larry Macy, Philadelphia MG Club

A Happy Reunion Doug Stuhlmann

Plus: Letters, Technical Talk, Where to '0 and much more!

MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 3

Chairman's Chat -he driving season has officially

begun here in the Northeast, so Eileen, Adam (son) and I are out

driving around topless, whenever possible. With the weather change, our 1978 Midget is getting a lot more daily usage, which has sent my 1973 Dart to the back of the driveway. The 1980 'B continues to be our fair weather car and the 1972 'B is about to complete its seventh consecutive year as Adam's first and only car.

I have shot myself in the foot, as far as getting the 1975 'B back on the road. First I dragged my feet on color selection und now that it's all Green Mallard, I decided to have the engine bay painted. I had it home for three weeks and really tried to get used to the color difference when I opened the hood, but couldn't. When 1 brought it back to Autometrics Restorations (an MGB Driver advertiser), Albert said, "1 was wondering why you did have the engine bay done from the start. It's like you put a brand new suit on the car but left it's dirty underwear on."

OK, here we go, are you ready for the broken record; "this is your NAMGBR" stufP Do I need to get into how the survival of NAMGBR is dependent on your continued support AND promotion? If your neighbor- hood is anything like mine, almost every time you have your MG out and about, someone approaches you to talk about the one they used to have. Every once and a while you'll come across someone who owns one but

has never heard of NAMGBR. I would hope that you would show them the copy of the MGB Driver you have in your glove box and give them one of the membership applications that you also have in your glove box. Enough on this.

One quick reminder about this year's Annuul General Meeting (AGM) and election. The AGM will be hosted by MG Car Club-Northwest Centre and held October 23 in Olympia, Washington. You can contact John Taylor, MGNutSO@msn.com , of MGCC-NWC if you need more information. This year the positions of Vice Chairman and Secretary are to be determined in our elections.

This is great! I managed to get this "Chat" done in the pre-dawn hours of a Sunday morning-it's drive time. As always, I wish each and every one of you, a hap y, healthy und safe driving season.

Safety Fast,

David Deutscb

On Our Fronf Cover - John Schroeder pre ares his '67 MGB For the start of the Missouri B En urance Roll in March. John and son, Jordan, took Third Place in t L Zl-hour version of fhe r i ~ t leg OF the Hammer & Tongs Register Triple Crown series.

On Our Back Cover - The contestants line up for the odometer calibration run at the 2004 Missouri Endurance Rally. While the maiority of the entries were MGs, they were in posh company as shown by the fourth entry back.

4 MGB DKIVER-

" t is a beautiful sunny afternoon here in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. I

I did some scrapbooking and Nent for my four mile walk and decid- :d I needed to get this article written b r the Driver.

By the time you read this arti- :le, my husband jai and I will be on aur way to MG 2004 in Parsippany, New Jersey.

I remember the first MG car show Jai and I attended. It was August 1986 and we drove the 1973 MGB GT to the 10th Annual Summer Party in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We had not pre- registered, so on to Douglas Walker Park we go. At registration we were greeted by Caroline Robinson Twist and Peter Robinson. Both were very friendly and helpful as to where we needed to park our car and instructions. We parked the car and off we went looking a t all the different MGs. I had never seen so many little sports

cars. We had lunch and looked at regalia and parts. I thought, "Why do we need to look at parts?" Time will only tell. Two of the first people we met were Bill Cooper and his son Gene Cooper. We talked about our cars and a new friendship started. That is what the MG car shows are all about. It is meeting new friends and also seeing old friends. 1 look forward to seejng all of you and please stop by the NAMGBR table at the events and introduce yourself. a

Safety fast,

Susan, "The Ndvigdtor"

The former Pig Hip Restaurant in Broadwell, Illinois on the old Route 66 is now a museum. Bill Hedrick's Mid et and John Schroeder's MGB pay a visit on the way home from the Missouri En 3 urance Rally in Morch.

MGB DRmR-May/June 2004 5

~efore and After.. .

Adam Deutsch's (son of NAMGBR Chairman David Deutsch) MGB under repair oher lost year's darnage on the way to California from Long Island.

Adorn's Car post-repair. Good as new!

Book Review

The National Geogra hk's Guide n Scenic Highways an 'r Byways

Reviewed by Robert Rushing

"love driving my MGB on beautiful backroads. I'm sure I'm not alone either. 1 would be willing to bet that

not a single one of you would turn down the chance to zoom around on a twisty two-lane instead of trudging along on the Interstate. It's what our cars were meant to do. The question then becomes how do you find these roads, especially when you don't know an area. Well, if you can find this book, that question might be answered for you. The National Geographic's Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways is a brief guide to some of the most beautiful roads in the country. Every state has at least one road represented, but most have a t least two. Overall, there are lround 200 scenic drives contained within its pages.

In this book, the United States is broken down into sections-New

'1BB England, Central Plains, Northwest, Southeast, etc. The states are then list-

* - 2d in each area in order from north to - . south. Each state has their route(s) listed along with a map and an ~ e r v i e w of the route, as we11 as points of interest along the way. Besides all this valuable information, there are those breathtaking pictures throughout that only National Sleographic can seem to produce. Just seeing those beautiful images makes me want to grab my keys and hit the road to see them for myself.

To judge the quality of their picks z~efore buying the book. I checked out the states that I was most familiar with-Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, 2nd Tennessee. My home state, the Great State of Missouri, had three list- ~ d . Personally, I think this was on the weak side. Granted, the three that they had listed were great roads- especially Missouri Highway 19

between Salem and Emrnence plus Highway 94 through Missouri Wine Country-but there are enough great roads in Big MO to f i l l a book. However, knowing that they had to keep it reasonable, the three that they picked were good choices.

Illinois had two sections of the Great River Road; one from Alton to around the Pere Marquette State Park, while the second was up in far northwest corner. I believe a third section down around Grand Tower should have been added as well.

Arkansas had State Highway 7 listed which has to be one of the best roads in the country. It's like a 100-mile long roller coaster. Surprisingly, Tennessee only had a couple of roads listed. It, of course, had area that includes the infa- mous Deal's Gap on Highway 129 (a.k.a. The Tail of the Dragon-318 curves within 11 miles), but did not include any in the area around Nashville which has a lot of great roads as well as many historic sites.

Overall, this is an excellent refer- ence book for getting off the beaten path of our interstate highway sys-

(please lurn to page 50) 6 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-Mav/June 2004 7

I Chapter Spotlight The Lake Erie British Car Club by Tony and Janet Shoviak #2-860

I n March of 1999, fourteen British car enthusiasts responded to an ad placed by Ed McCarroll in a local

newspaper. This was a simple ad, asking if anyone would be interested in starting a local British car club, which would include all types of British marques. At the first gathering, some old friends and acquaintances were reunited. No one was quite sure of where this would lead, but we all knew we wanted to do something to get more use out of our cars. Many of the MGB people who became members of this new club had attended events like MG 1996 in Indy or John Twist's Summer Parties-but really did not know each other, until now.

The first order of business was to decide upon a name. Since we are a regional group having members from Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, we decided to use "Lake Erie" in our name. After a short discussion, we became the "Lake Erie British Car Club". Officers volunteered themselves this first time and we were on our way. Meetings were to be held once a month, a monthly newsletter was started, and we decided to try to organize a yearly car show. An Auto Zone in Sylvania, Ohio, allowed us use of their parking lot in May of 1999. About 30 British cars showed up. We gave away only two trophies; one to a gorgeous Bugeye Sprite, the other to Ed McCarroll's Lotus 7.

In 2000, the car show was held at LEBCC member Ken Long's business lot on Airport Hwy in Holland, Ohio. Sixty-three British cars attended. The Detroit Triumph Club showed up with several entries. Nine trophies were given; which led to many discussions and suggestions on how to set up classes. It was decided to break up the classes by years. We are now up to nine classes for the 2004 show with

everyone having a fair chance at win- ning an award.

At NAMGBR's MG ZOO0 convention in Cleveland, I spoke with D Zimmerman about the LEBCC becoming an affiliate chapter. She gave me the information, which I took back to our club officers. After going over our roster and with D's help, we discovered that enough LEBCC members were already members of NAMGBR to qualify us as a n affiliate chapter. This helped open doors for our club when we started searching for a larger, more perma- nent site for our car show. Many places required liability insurance and being an affiliate chapter of NAMGBR, we now had this.

Our next car show in 2001 was held at an historic fort in Perrysburg, Ohio along the Maumee River. Fort Meigs was built to hold back the British during the War of 1812. How appropriate i t was for a British re- invasion! Unfortunately, Fort Meigs had just begun a major, two-year restoration in April of 2001. The fort was closed to the public, but the grounds were still available for our show in June. Luck was against us on show day, the weather was cold and rainy and only 63 cars attended.

Fortunately, the LEBCC stayed with Fort Meigs. Our 2002 show was a huge success with over 116 British cars attending. The fort was still under restoration, but the weather was good.

The 2003 show was a real gem. Restoration was complete and a new museum was open. All entries received tickets to tour the fort. Coincidentally, The History Channel was filming re-enactment's at the fort the same weekend of our car show. During breaks, the cast wandered about the show in period costume, posing with the cars while happy car owners took their photogruphs.

(please turn to page 1 0 )

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MGB DRIVER---May/June 2004 MGB DRWER-May/June 2004 9

Chapter Spotlight - Continued fi

Channel 11, a local C8S TV affiliate, interviewed us the day before our show, too. This show brought in over 180 cars from all over the region. One was from as far away as Pennsylvania. Members of the Detroit Triumph Club, Emerald Necklace, Old Speckled Hens, Southwest Ohio Centre of the MG Club, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Windsor Detroit MG CC, Central Ohio MGCC, Michigan Rowdies, Loco Brits, and more were represented. All participants had a chance to take the British Car Quiz, play fun games, bid in a silent auction, win door prizes, buy items from Jeff and Jan Zorn from the Little British Car Company and Ted Schurnaker of TSJ Automotive, have their cars drawn by a caricature artist, and a n opportunity to win an etched glass trophy by LEBCC Member Ted Barron. The show drew many specta- tors with children, which helps foster a n interest in our British cars now and hopefully in the future.

While the car show has been our main event, we also have had many fantastic trips, cruises, and rallies over the years, which have helped bring our club members closer together.

Our weekly cruises usually get a high spirited band of members that head out to many points of the com- pass looking for libations or ice cream treats. Good conversation and exchange of information/stories usually round out the drive.

In 1999, our fall event was a scenic tour of Hidden Lake Gardens in Irish Hills, Michigan. This was followed by a cookout a t member Craig Riker's place on Devil's Lake. Twenty-seven cars attended this very enjoyable event. The following year we cruised to Marblehead, Ohio along Lake Erie with a t stop for dinner a t Mariner's Retreat. Dessert was a potluck affair a t East Harbor State Park.

In September of 2001, a backroads rally planned by jim and Louise Brandt around northwest Ohio and

rom Page 8

lower Michigan ended with a late lunch at the Hathaway House in Blissfield, Michigan.

Two fall events occurred in 2002. Ron lohnson planned a word play mystery ralleye in southeast Michigan, ending with dinner at Pete's Garage in Monroe, Michigan. Art and Laura Shippey organized a tombstone tour for Halloween, looking for clues in local cemeteries. A pig roast at a local MC club followed. The bikers showed a genuine interest in our cars, too.

Stan and Carol Fingerhut planned the 2003 fall rally event. We drove backroads (all paved) that we probably could not find again if we tried. Dinner followed in Findlay, Ohio.

Our summer trip the past two years has been a huge success. Bill and Janet Kroncke planned a weekend trip to Berlin, Ohio with accom- modations at Zinck's Inn. Art and Laura Shippey and Barb and Lou Keefe arranged the next one to Berlin. This is in very scenic Amish country and there is plenty of good food, antiques, beautiful scenery, and many miles of good British car driving roads.

A July interclub picnic in 2003 with the Detroit Triumph Sports Car Club a t Providence Metropark in Grand Rapids, Ohio included a canal boat ride down the Maumee River. Good food and fun was had by all and a 2004 get-together is in the works.

Springtime has a few trips to bring us out of hibernation. Our club has made two trips to R&A Restorations near Tecumseh, Michigan with lunch at a nearby restaurant following. A Spring 2004 weekend trip is being arranged by ]im Manning to Brown County, Indiana. Jim and his wife, Betty, also partici- pated in MG 2001 with a trip to Alaska right after St. Paul in their Iris Blue MGB.

Our club participates in regional British car events like the, NE Ohio

MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

AH Club Car Show in May, Easton Town Center Car show in Columbus, Ohio, Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Kalamazoo, MI, a British Car Day in Dayton, The All Ohio MG Picnic, The Battle of the Brits in Sterling Heights, MI, and the University Motors Summer Parties in Grand Rapids, MI.

Several of our members have taken part in national events like MG '96 in lndy, MG 2000 In Cleveland, MG 2001 in St. Paul, and MG 2003 in St. Louis.

Local car shows are not left out. In Wauseon, Ohio u Super Cruise on a Tuesday night in August attracts over 800 cars of all makes and models. Our British cars attract their share of attention as club members, Jim and Lisa Walker of Wauseon can attest. Jim and Lisa have hosted a cookout at their home for two years for club members prior to the Super Cruise.

LEBCC also participates in the MDA Car Show on Labor Day. This show is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A unique feature of this show is that the children with MD pick the car show winners. Last years show was a wash out due to rain and had very low attendance, so our club made a donation to help make up for their losses. The day before the MDA show a spaghetti din-

ner and pre-registration event is held. Club members Carol and Stan Fingerhut and Jim and Louise Brandt helped with serving the dinner.

Most of our events are OK for the whole family to attend. However, it can be a challenge to do a road rally with your 3-year-old daughter. We were driving our MGC GT and she would keep grabbing my pencil so I had to write with my left hand. We only missed one question and finished second to my wife and father who were in our MGB.

Over alll the club has been a great success. All members are encouruged to plan and take part in all activities. The newsletter is filled with information and a n events cal- endar full of British happenings. Our monthly dinner meetings at a local restaurant get well over 30 members attending, even in the winter months. Last year, we started having a yearly banquet, which includes door prizes, entertainment, and special awards for members.

Who knew five years ago when this club was born, how much fun and British car driving enjoyment we would now be having. We would like to thank the North American MGB Registrer for their support and friendship in helping our club develop and prosper. a

I The Hammer & Tongs Triple Crown 1

Noi only i s the rally a great drive on great roads - there are really cool trophies to compete for!

First Installment-The 2004 Missouri Endurance Rally by Robert Rushing, Rallymaster

-he 9th Annual Missouri Endurance Rally and 2nd Missourl Mini-Endurance Tr~al

started off with very cloudy skies. The weather was predicted to be storms throughout the day with heavy thun- derstorms and hail in the southern part of the state. As luck would have it, the clouds burned off and outside of a small shower, the weather was great. Well, that is until it turned bit- terly cold that nlght.

We ended up with a record break- ing 30 teams participating! There were 19 teams in the full rally and 11 in the mini. An amazing turnout to say the least. Another arnazlng fact is that only 4 teams DNF'ed. One team suffered problems with their alternator, another team had their odometer break as they were making their way to the last stop, the third just ran out of time and was 30 minutes late, and the worst was with a team that got on a bit of loose gravel and slid into a ditch as they were braking. Luckily, they weren't hurt and only suffered a

bit of damage to the front valance of their car. Once they were pulled out of the ditch by a tractor, they were able to drive home safely.

The full rally teams had 10 stops to make (the mini-team's 5 stops are denoted by an asterisk): the historic marker at Caledonia*; Devil's Well; the historic marker in Salem*; the town of Pershing'; the pilothouse monument in Hermann*; the county courthouse in California*; Boone's Lick State Historic Site; General Pershing's Boyhood Home State Historic Site; Thousand Hills State Park; and Mark Twain's Birthplace State Historic Site. The stops focused on the eastern half of the state running from the center to north near Kirksville. Needless to say, the teams got to go over some fantastic roads.

The winner of the full rally was Team Rick-Rick lngram and Rick Verhey with 716 miles. The real story is the tight competition that took place between the teams that ranked 2nd through 7th. There was less than 7 miles difference between 2nd and 7th. That was one close finish. One missed turn could have made the difference for any of those teams. It's

12 MGB DRIVER-Mau/June 2004

- Heading for the first checkpoint encounters traffic ~ncluding another competitor.

amazing how much more competi- The next event is of course the Grand tive this event gets each year. The Lake Tour in August. I'm sure Rick good news is that with the results as Ingram and Rick Verhey will be in tight as they are overall, the competi- contact with all of you soon to tion for the Triple Crown is going to encourage you to participate. be great. It's anybody's to win still. (please turn to puge 1 4 )

Out along the road less traveled.

Hammer & Tongs Register - Continued porn Page 1 3 ",---- r! " P, I I --:-

Jake Snyder attempts to intimidate fellow competitors with his supercharged MGB GT.

Robert Rushing the Rallymaster logs odometer calibrat~on ~n to from the 30 mile odometer check.

l a . . , I

The contestants - MGs to Bentlev

The winners of the mini were the race between 2nd and 3rd ~ l ace s . Paul Urquhart and Steve Merical with The difference there was a scdnt .14 101.7 miles. The big story here was (please turn to page 1 61

The competitors map stotegy upon recieving the checkpoint list.

14 MGB DRIVER-May/,June 2004 I MC;B DRIVER-May/June 2004 15

Hammer & Tongs Register - Continued from Page 15 i I

River crossing by ferryboat on the way to Pershing, MO.

miles? What js that? The size of a city willing to take on the challenge of the block? Now that's close! There are other two events. plans to have mini-endurance rallies I would like to thank all the a t both the Grand Lake Tour and the teams that took part in both the Abingdon Trials. This could also be Missouri Endurance Rally and the an amazina cornvetition for those Mini-Endurance Trial. You all did a

great job and it is a credit to you that this event is as successful as it is. Work on the Tenth Annual Missouri Endurance Rally and Third Missouri Mini- Endurance Trial is already under way. I Look for it in March 2005!

(please turn to page 18.1

Results are examined and compared.

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- Tech Tips - Oriqinal C

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Motorin5 Magazine

800-667-7872 {Bh @ @ &>$ Ov~r *ea4 : l lO5-601-MUU +A,& 'baaCc!

Hammer & Tongs Register - Continued from Page 16

! FULL RALLY Place/Team 1) Rick Ingram / Rick Verbey 2) Ed Polonus / Bill Herring 3) John & lordan Schroeder 4) Nate Runyan / Casey Yunker 5) Mark Shetley / Bob Horzmann 6) Adrian & Sally von Osch 7) John & Carol Mangles 8) Jim & Thad Cousino 9) Creig Houghtallng / Gary Allgood 10) Patrick Hughes / Raymond Muxwell 11) Bill Hedrick / Kim Tonry 12) Mark 1 & Mark Z Michalak 13) Tom Viskn~skki / Ray Rasnack 14) lake & Ann Snyder 15) Bill Fox 1 Gary Hayes 16) Rich Griffin / Ranney Dohogne 17) David EL Mary Dobbins

18) Brian Rehg / Matt Kobe

19) Dennis Scanlan / Rob Camblin

MINI RALLY Place/Team 1) Paul Urquhart / Steve Merical 2) Bruce & Henry Hamper 3) Pat Freeman / Susan Reeves 4) Walt Murphy / Bob Bentzinger 5) Adam Kopff 6) Tommie Camblin / Diane Cotton 7) Mike Barnes / Dwight McClain 8) Mike Schickler / Peter Chuoy 9) Bob McElwee / Dave Plotky 10) Gay Wilkinson 11) David Harnish / Linda van Antwerp

Car 1974 MGB GT 1975 MGB 1967 MGB 1977 MGB 1969 MGC GT 19 72 MGB 1974 MGB 1979 MGB 1974 TR6 1965 TR4A 1971 Midget MGA Coupe 1952 jaguar XK120 1973 MGB GT 1973 MGB GT 1971 MGB 1972 MGB

1971 MGB

MGA Coupe

Car 1 9 6 2 ~ ~ ~ 1969 MGB 1977 Bentley 1977 MGB 1978 Midget 1978 MGB 1967 MGB-GT 1962 Sprite 1962 AH 3000 1969 TR6 1979

Calculated Miles 716.39036 732.52974 733.52989 736.56448 738.01688 739.40049 739.75 742.46205 743.77777 753.13074 754.60938 757.18089 785.78564 790.30182 790.9346 1 805.1 7458 DNF-Not back in time DNF-Broken Odometer DNF-Accident

Calculated Miles 401.7

etters to the Register -

! MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

1 read w ~ t h some amusement four article (by Marcham Rhoade) iegarding books you must have on MGs. My wife was even laughing a t the cover picture as she too recog- nized the books in my "car stuff" book shelf. I have most of those mentioned, including the little "MGs on Patrol" one which 1 bought a t a n MG function auction.

However, you cannot have an MG books collection wlthout "Maintaining The Breed" by John Thornley, and, best of all, the new "Mr. MG" about Thornley by his son Peter Thornley. What a wonderful story about the man and the car

1 was surprised when you said it was rarely seen. I have one and lust thought it came with all MGs. Wonder how many members have this document? Was curious about the line that says H.P. (S.A E.) 15.98. Not~ced that it was the same on the one in MGR Driver for the '71 '€3 and on mine for the '80 MGB I have included a copy of mine.

Our '80 '0 has a somewhat unique history. It was first purchased by Mr. Brian A, Thompson of Jamestown, New York. The Statement of Origln shows transfer of ownership on Aprll28,1980. Mr. Thompson kept

company that he ran so well for many years, including his attempts to save MG from the wrecking ball.

Finally one cannot overlook the "Kimber Centenary Book" published by the New England MG T Kegjster, another lovely book about those who made the MG Car Co. in the early days.

I know, we are the MGB Register Journal, 2nd I have 'B (and a Midget) currently, but you can't enjoy the pre- 5ent cars without a look to the past a t what made MG, for a while, one of ' the best known brands in the world.

-G. Wayne Hardy i

Diboll, Texas

We received our copy of MGB Driver and, as I was looking through

the magazine, noticed the Manufacturer's " SLatement of Origin and

(please tun1 to page 20)

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Letters to the Register - con/

the 'B until April 22, 1982 and then sold it to a Msgt. Robert Weaver of the U.S. Air Force. The Msgt. was transferred to England and took the 'B back to its homeland. On March 8, 1985 he sold the ' B to a CMsgt. Gary W. Scott. On March 22, 1989 it was sold to a Dian L. Smith who was married to a n Air Force enlisted man. In October 1991, the Smiths were transferred to Vandenbery Air Force Base in Cal~fornia and had the 'B shipped back to California. The car was stored for a few years and then purchased by British Sports Cars of San Luis Obispo.

In February of 1998, the doctor that my wife Donna worked for was at Britjsh Sports Cars to look at a car. He saw the 'B and remembered that I had owned a n MGA. When he got back to the office he told Donna that he had seen the car for me. I wasn't looking for a car. But out of curiosity I stopped by and took a look. It was bright red and looked to be in excellent condition. I took it for a test drive and all the good memories of my first MG came back to me. Donna and 1 talked about the 'B and she said as long as the heater works, it sounded like a good deal. I went back to British Sports Cars and talked to Peter the owner who offered a 30-day 100% warranty. On March 4, 1998 we became the proud owners of a 1980 red MGB. Since then we have driven 26,000-plus miles including a 2000 mile round trip to Oregon and numerous trips up California Highway One between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. The 'B is also my daily driver. Current mileage is 159,060 going for 200,000.

A review of the 'B's history shows that all sales occurred in either March or April. We have all the records and receipts from the six years the 'B was in England including MOT tests and in looking a t the receipts I noticed that almost all say "Paid With Thanks".

-Frank & Donna Epperson Templeton, California

Member #9-3980

hued from Page 19

I was interested to read Robert Rushing's article on the 1971 MG Deuler brochure in the MarchiApril issue. Particularly where he queries why they chose a German Fokker tri- plane for the background of some of the shots. The ads were created by the BMCJHambro agency under Bob Burden, which later merged with Bozell ST Jacobs when all advertising was transferred to the United States. The shots for this particular brochure were taken in 1970 on location at Rhinebeck, New York. where there was an outstanding collection of World War One flying machines.

Shots for thc contemporary MG Midget advertisement were also taken here and showed kite flying as the background for the car.

Apart from the brochure Robert has, these shots were also used in the print adverts in 1971.

A final note; there were over 200 different print adverts for the MGB during its production, in addition to over four hundred different MGB brochures, worldwide, produced from 1962-1980!

Happy MGB'ing! -Marcham Rhoade

MGB Registrar NAMGBR fi

The MGB in Movi by Robert Rushing

ecently, I began to ponder why I 6 haven't seen a lot of movies with

,MGRs in them. The 'B was the world's best selling sportscar for decades, so with that kind of yopular- ity, why didn't it appear in films more often? There have been a lot of movies where the car was the star- look a t the Trans Am in "Smokey & the Bandit" or the Beetle in "Herbie The Love Bug" or the Minis in "The Italian Job". Why not the MGB? It could be that I just have missed the films that they have been in, which is possible. However, I consider myself almost as big a film nut as I a m a MG nut, so I just can't believe that I would have missed too many. All that aside though, I have seen some films where MGB's have had more than just a brief frame or two of exposure and I thought 1 would share with you some of these films that I can recall.

Surprisingly, the one that tops my list was only released a short time ago. "How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog" stared Kenneth Branagh and Robyn Wright Penn. It was basically about a playwright who was having a hard time with a new play and a hard time coming to grips with possible fatherhood. The couple owned a n old Land Rover and a 1972 MGB. The 'B was in the movie quite a bit with several scenes of it being driven, one of him working on it, and one of it getting towed. The really great part was when his wife told him that they actually make modern cars, He replied: "What a Miata?!? It's a copycat of the MG! The '6 is a classic!" Another recent movie, "Birthday Girl", had a lot of scenes with a rubber bumper MGB GT. The movie got so-so reviews, but it's worth checking out for both the GT and for Nicole Kidman.

Going back to 1984, the action- comedy "Highpoint" with the late Richard Harris had one of the most

MGB DKIVER-May/June 2004

preposterous MGB related scenes ever. Filmed in Seattle (bet you can't guess what the "Highpoint" turned out to be...). Richard Harris was being chased by two rather large bad guys. The flabby villains are in a rubber bumper MGB and the thin Richard Harris is in a 6.6 liter Trans Am. The Trans Am amazingly couldn't outrun the 'B. The movie overall is pretty bad and to make it even worse, the chase scene ends with the 'B going off a pier and into the ocean.

Also from 1984 with another rubber bumper 'R is "Protocol" with Goldie Hawn. The 'B was in very bad shape and broke down on her often, but one of its breakdowns put her in the right place to save a foreign diplo- mat from being assassinated. This completely changed her life and opened her eyes to the way things really are in the world of diplomacy.

Advancing forward 10 years to 1994, Susan Sarandon drove another rubber bumper 'B around the streets of Memphis in "The Client". A decent film, but all I can say is that it must have been filmed during the spring, because she certainly didn't sweat enough for it to have been a Mid- South summer!

Probably the best film to feature a MGB is 1972's "Sleuth" staring Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier. Caine drives up to the old manor house in his red MGB roadster that is also seen a few times throughout the movie. He plays a very posh hair- dresser who is having an affair with Olivier's wife. What transpires over the course of the movie (which only has the two characters) is a great cat & mouse game of each trying to out- wit the other.

Skipping ahead three years to 1975 gives us an all too brief scene of a rubber bumper 'B in "The Man with the Golden Gun". Britt Ekland playing Mary Goodnight drives up to meet

(please tun1 to page 50)

Frontline 5-Speed Conversion

.. - - The recipient-Lorry Macy's 1 978 Midget

Frontline Five Speed Conversion for off the 5-speed throwout bearing 1500 Midget guide, grind out the one from the 4- b Larr Macy, I r speed to fit the splines, attach the P ilade phia MG Club adapter plate to tranny, cut out the

jackbox from the tranny tunnel, rein- ? bouaht a Five-meed Transmission stall bellhousina and clutch, bolt to

kit for my 1978'1500 Midget from Frontline Spridget in the WK in

August 2002. Over that Labor Day Weekend I got together with Dave Yealy, Allen Hefner, Kevin Valentine and Chuck Christ of the Spridget E- mail List to do the installation. It was planned to be a day. maybe day and a half install. Well. Murphy was out in force.

The kit arrived safe and sound from "Merry Old" in early August. It consisted of a refurbished T-9 tranny from a Merkur or Scorpio, an aluminum adapter plate, a steel crossmember replacement, two box sections to fit into the jack box tubes, a "Quick Shift" shifter (extra $), a fiberglass cover for the tunnel, a piece of black tunnel carpeting, a new drive shaft, throwout bearing, clutch and pressure plate, and a n assortment of bolts and nuts.

Basically the procedure is to remove the bell housing, remove the wide for the throw out bearina, cut

engine and s t z f back in car, then install new crossmember and bolt into place. Then modify tunnel for new shifter location, attach shifter, drop car off jacks and go. WEEEEEEEL- LLLLLLLLLLLLL.. .

I drove the car to Chuck Christ's on Friday night so it wouldn't be hot when we went to work. Saturday morning Dave, Allen, Chuck and I dug in taking the engine and tranny out. Took about an hour. I had rebuilt this engine last spring, and missed a gasket seal so 1 wanted to pull the pan while it was out to fix a n oil leak. Kevin showed up and helped us yank the enginettranny combo. As soon as we got the pan off, Chuck noticed some metal in the block (the engine was upside down on an engine stand at the moment) we started looking and spotted one of the thrust washers hanging out of the bearing cap. Or should that be "bearing OH crap" ...

Well it was Saturday of Labor Day weekend and the first thina we

Some of the Spridget List enlisted crew-Charles Christ, Dave Yealey and Allen Hefner (L to R)

(please turn to page 24) Getting ready to pull out the engine and trans

MGB DRIVER-May/June 2 0 0 4 i MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

Frontline 5-Speed Conversion - Continued from Page 23

The bellhosing in the process of modification.

The new gearbox with adapter and new driveshaft. I did was start callina trvina to find what to do next. Kevin has a friend in

some thrust washer; I 'found some from a really nice British guy that works on LBCs in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. It was about a n hour drive there so I jumped in my car and took off to get them. He had a beautiful MGA in the driveway and one more in the garage.

While I was gone Kevin, Allen, Dave, Kevin and Chuck worked on the tranny. They separated the bell housing and bolted on the adapter plate. If you look at the pic, you will see the nose that has to be cut off-it had to be removed and cut and rein- stalled. There is some grinding and drilling to be done on the bell housing to accommodate the adapter plate.

A lot of that was done while I was n the road. When I got back I did comething 1 should have done BEFORE I left. I pulled the majn bear- ng cap. Well, not only was the thrust flasher gone, but so was the rear main bearing cap. Ground off to a n angle that should not be there. So we

Tamaqua, Pennsylvania that is into Spitfires. He happened to have a 1500 engine in storage he was willing to part with. So, off on another cruise for about an hour and a half to go grab that. We had discussed pulling the crank out of that engine to put in mine, but the more I thought about it, the less happy I was with that solu- tion. I called on my cell and had the gang remove uil the ancillarics, so we could just stick this unknown engine in and hope it ran. Then I could rebuild my engine ut a later date. Oh the thoughts going through my mind. Plans to go to Stowe on the 19th, getting the engine done in time. Frustration, anger, sadness.

Anyway, when I returned Dave and I unloaded the engine hoist again to get the engine out of the trunk of my '82 BMW. Then we knocked off for the night.

Sunday woke up to rain, rain, rain. Fortunately Kevin had a 10x10 popup we put over the work area. Rob . . .

The bellhousing from the original gearbox i s modified for the new gearbox. spent some time trying to figure out (please turn LO page 26)

24 MGB DRIVER--May/June 2004 MC;B DRIVER-May/Jime 2004 25

V (Kevin's son) sat in the engine compartment and cut out the jack box/crossmember, Well now I was really committed. A little trimming around the hole and I was ready to put the engine in. You have to put the engineltranny back in Lo get the placement of the new cross member right before drilling etc. So we got the engine and tranny put back together and stuffed in the car. Well, once again I missed a step. There are these two square tube boxes that have to be fitted to the jack box to support the new crossmember. Well I forgot to stick them in. So Chuck and I had to pull the engineltranny again (by our- selves, everybody else had left). Fortunately, not all the way out. Stuff the supports in and then try to get it all lined up.

Now for a bit of the tricky stuff. The new crossmember has to be bolt-

ed in between the rails that hold the fuel line and the brake line. You need to hold it up in place with a jack and then drill and bolt. Well in this case it was about '18 inch too wide. So out it came and back to the grinder. It is really close to the fuel line, so we don't want to squish that. lack it into place and drill six holes and bolt in. Somc of the holes are really close to the tunnel, so we had to be careful. Also, in this case, the two that were supposed to go through the jack boxes and new supports were not quite in the right spot. Easily solved by drilling new holes in the new crossmember.

At this point I slapped in the new drive shaft. Probably the easiest job of the whole thing. Well, except by now it was dark and the folks, whom shall remain nameless (initials AH & DY) that pulled the drive line had "mis- ~ laced" the bolts that hold the diff to

the drive line. Oh, by the way, the new drive line fits with a splined shaft, like a ribcase, instead of the normal 1500 style of bolting to a flange on the tranny. But with all the holes it was easy to get together. A few more odds and ends, including modifying the exhaust pipe so it fit better, and the second of two 14 hour days were to come to a close. The next day, Monday, I had to bolt on the manifolds, set the timing, get the tunnel cut, restore the interior, blah blah,

The new 5-speed mounted on the engine and ready to put back in the car.

The engine about to go back in in inclement weather on Day Two

blah. Well, then we found the fiberglass didn't fit right. Cut to fit. Just dandy. Finally get it all in place and the moment of truth.

Will it run? NO. Why?? Some dummy with a pony tail put the lines on the fuel pump bassackwards. Fix that and SHE RUNS!! Oh yea, gotta bleed the clutch. Get that done, then put the seats back in. Bolt a few things together, and off the jacks.

Into the street and hoorraay, got a 5-speed, A little cleaning up and 1 a m off towards home. Well about 15 minutes down the road this old engine, that is really running good, I must say, is getting really hot. Stop, tighten the fan belt, turn on the heater and fan and try to go some more. Oh, by the way, the thing is running 60 lbs. oil pressure, hot, a t speed. Since I don't have a speedo (the cable is coming, not here yet) I a m not sure how fast, exactly 1 a m going. But it appears that 4th - 5th is good for about 1000 RPM at highway speed. I was keeping up with traffic on the turnpike running about 3200

RPM. Normally that would require at least 4000-4500 RPM.

In the first week, I had drove the car a bit, but not a lot. What I could say is the first 3 gears are about the same as the $-speed. 4th and 5th I am not real sure about. 1 think the heat issue can be cured with a good flush of the cooling system and a cooler thermostat. I a m really surprised at how well this "borrowed" engine runs.

As 1 said, this should have been a day and half or so job. Took nearly three days. But we lost a lot of Saturday as 1 was running for a thrust washer I did not need, and a n engine I needed but did not want.

Would I recommend the swap to somebody else, I can't say at this point. I am committed. But I also do not have my engine, with the cam, the high compression pistons, the feel of it I was used to.

I do know that for most of the 19 years I have had this car, I always was reaching for 5th.

(please turn to pclge 28) -

26 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 27 I

Frontline 5-Speed Conversion - Contrnued from Page 27

The new crossmember adjacent to the fuel line on the left.

Now I can get there. MPH used to be uround 4300 RPM-it By the way, I WILL be rebuild- is now about 3500 RPM. The engine no

ing MY engine, as soon as I figure longer sounds like it is screaming at out what exactly I want to do. I highway speeds. Unfortunately have a few options. And may be Frontline did not get me a speedo cable some more improvements. until a few months after the trannv

Well it has been slightly over a year now and 1 continue to enjoy my 5-speed. Still have not finished rebuild- ing an engine, but I now have one to rebuild. I got married in June 2003 and was given a long block for a wedding present. Those Spridget folks. Anyway, we made the first big trip to Stowe, Vermont and had a great tlme. After Stowe, we went to Mt. Washington, and the Midget climbed that hill like a champ. Driving to Stowe, Mt. Washington and then down to Hyannis (for a visit to Nantucket) and then home was a real pleasure after so many years with a 4 speed. As I said the first 3 gears are real close to the original. I found 4th to be nearly 1.1 and fifth is a true overdrive. Seventy

upgrade. When I did get it, I found that the ratio is off a bit. I need to send the speedo out for a recalibration, just haven't done it yet. It is off about 10%. When cruising at 60, the speedo reads about 66; when doing 40, it reads about 44. That's OK, it keeps me out of trouble. But I also can't guess what my gas mileage has gotten to, but it HAS to be better.

I find that the quick shift is really nice, I can snap from one gear to another in about 3 inches. When I first installed the tranny, I thought the shift lever was too long, but I now find that the position of the shift knob is natural and comfortable.

Last Spring I went lo Sprite Spree in Carlisle, IJennsylvania. It was the

(please turn to page 50)

MGB DRIVER- -May/June 2004

4dvertising from the Past

Tnrash it, gc-~t le l i . or JLICI hoard ihc MGB is bred to co~:ipclit~o~i Err:; i r l I*:a!hrr ul:i:ols:;ry. it in your garage-your b X B rs --and the good life. The slfek pat:de3 dash. SucNe! seais. roll-up unlquely sdt~siying. enveiope body houses a vdlndo:vs, a choice of trjm Partly because i t indulges the race-tested 1798 c.c. engne r.ii:i. hardtop or snug convertible tops. urge to or~n a machine of the twin carburetors. You're aslridc There's roan for children aft Octagon Uarque. a firm racing suspension that and for 2 setsof golf clubs ~n Par:ly because i t answers the allows you to corner hard. Rack the commodious (lockable) siern call to perfection in a sporis and pinion steering presmts you luggage compartment. car. Cur MSB averaged with positive con!rol. And huge So -- what's i t to be: a run for 98.2479 rnph for the 24 hoursof disc brakes close you do,vn iron) thechequered flag. ..or a spin on Le Mans and was beaten by only 3 lop speeds v;ithoui pull cr fade. your favourite back road? No GT cars.. .a Ferrari, a Porsche The appointments go matter. Gentlemen, start and a Cobra. hand-in-hand with the adver,ture: your engines.

-u i CcTAC0:i SPIRIT. THE IRRESISTleLE FORCE t' A " GPi r s : ~ ; . ~ : ~ OBJECT

MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 2 9

MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

Basic B

Jake and the supercharger kit components laid out lor installation

The Moss Supercharger- Installation and Impressions by Ann & Jake Snyder

" n September 2003 a t the Chicago British Car Festival, we test drove the supercharged MGB owned and

modified by Mr. Carl Heideman of Eclectic Motorworks LLC, Holland, Michigan. We decided it was the most significant MG achievement in our last twenty years (It was ranked among the twenty most significant achievements of the year by Grass Roots Motorsports magazine In December 2003), and promptly (as in when we gave the keys back to Carl) ordered one. Before the order was accepted, however, we had to deter- mine and submit the compression readings from the engine we intended to supercharqe, which tested at

indicated to Carl that we needed the pulleys that would give a n eight psi boost. Less boost is recommended for higher compression engines.

The kit came to us shortly after. The supercharger unit itseif was impressive enough to bring out after a dinner with non-MG friends. They were amazed, but having a big, shiny motor part in the living room may have been part of the amazement to them, even though they have visited us often enough before.

The kit consists of a n Eaton M45 supercharger (a Roots-type dual-rotor, twin-lobe unit), a new alternator, a new water pump (cast iron body- type), serpentine idler pulleys, a serpentine pulley to replace the harmon- ic damper, the serpentine belt, a K&N air filter and all the hoses, fuel filter, cables, nuts, bolts and thread locker

The Moss Supercharger kit components laid out for installation.

128/130/135/132 psi. These values needed. There was no guesswork A garage door pulley hanger was bent and bolted to the damper. The pry bar must

(please turn to page 3 4 ) go against the crossmember, NOT THE STEERING RACK!

32 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 33

Basic 6 - Continued h n ~ Page 33 Where26 - Continued from Page 59

required, thanks to a very detailed 28- page instruction manual, which we read about three times before starting the project.

The supercharger module is pre- assembled by Moss on to a custom intake manifold and includes a new S.U. HE44 carburettor. The throat on this carburettor measures just under one and seven-eighths inches. Otherwise, it is simply a big S.U. HIF4.

Installation is within anyone's ability if they have done mainte- nance and repair on an MG engine before: install the new alternator (the old alternator fan must be reused), install the new water pump, install the new crank pulley (the engine must be loosened from the motor mounts and jacked up until the gearbox bell housing touches the tunnel), and mount the supercharger. We thought there would be a problem with removing the old crank pulley, but it came right off with a home- made puller (please see the photo).

We changed the oil and filter, of course, before starting the engine the first time. The engine ran quite well

The supercharger unit itself was

impressive enough to- bring out after

a dinner with non-MG friends.

with the carburettor settings that had been factory adjusted. We set the ignition timing as recommended, and began driving the car. We found that the carburettor float valve leaked a little, causing flooding sometimes on idle and occasionally difficult hot restarts. A new float valve arrived from Joe Curto, courtesy of Eclectic Motors LLC, and all has been fine.

Driving the car is astonishingly simple. Unless the throttle is opened abruptly and far, the car acts like a normal MGB. But if the accelerator

Sept. 12. Battle of the Brits, Sterling Hts., MI (586)979-4875 or snydleydog@yahoo.com, www.battleofthebrits.org

Sept. 20, lndy British Motor Days, Brownsburg, IN, (317)887-3867 or mgd@quiknet.net

Sept. 25, MGs On the Rocks Car Show and Parts Market, Rocks State Park, Be1 Air, MD (410)817-6862 or e-mail RGL2MGBGT@aol.com

Oct. 9-10, Abingdon Trials Endurance Rally, Columbus, IN (630)968-4347 or kgrowler@aol.com*

Oct. 9, Brits at Mercer, Doylestown, PA (610)446-2073 or mgbgtl@hotmail.com Oct. 16, Houston All British Motor Vehicle Expo, Houston, TX (936)449-9029 or

kedrngcars@aol.com Oct. 23, NAMGBR Annual General Meeting, Olympia, WA fl * Part of the NAMGBR Hammer & Tongs Register Triple Crown Series ** NAMGBR members receive a 15% discount from the published rates.

The su ercharger module installed. An additional return spring was added to the choke Rnkage to assure full-OFF operation.

34 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

The Marque Of Friendship 1929- 1936 I . . - - . . -

North American MMM Register Box 727, St. HeZena, CA 94574

7071963-23 13

1935-1 955 Pre-Warm-SeriesN Type The New England MG'T' Register

PO Box 1957 Gary. NC 2751 2 704/544-1253

1956-1 962 MGARAIZB The North American MGA Register 7522 S.E. 152nd Street. Portland, OR 97236

namgar_reg~strar@msn.com

1963-1 980 MGB/Midget11100/1300 1 The North American MGB Register I PO Box 3203 Kent, OH 44240

800iNAMGBR- 1

1968 - 1969 MGC American MGC Register

2809 Copter Rd. Pensacola. FL 3251 4 8501478-3 1 7 1

Sponsored by The North American Council

Of M.G. Registers

The Hammer & Tongs Register of the

North American MGB Register

North American MGB Register presents

The 2004 Triple Crown Endurance Rally Series

March 20-2 1. 2004 - St Louis, Lib 410. 9th Annual Missouri Endurance Rally and 2nd Mini- Missouri Trial. This will be the first leg of the new Triple Crown Endurance Series. For more information go to littv://www.rngcars.ot...uk/i~am~- britrivlecrow~~.doc or e-mail Robert Rushing at mgslime@?swbell.net

August 12-13. 2004- Grand Rapids. MI 12th Annual Grand Lake Tour, This will be the second leg of the new Triple Crown Endurance Serieb. Held the Thursday before thc IJn~versity Motor\ Summer Party Reunion. For more ~nformatjo~~ go to http:llwww.tnncars.or~.uk/narngbr/triulccronn.doc or e- mail Rick Ingram at Mowopl @aol.com

October 9-10, 2004 - Colunlbus. IN. Abingdo~i Endurance Trials. This will be the third and final Icg of the new Triple Crown Endurance Series. For more information go to httv:l/ww~v.m~cars.ore.uk/nan~gbr/tri~lecrown.doc or e-mail Kim Tonr! at KGROWLER@aol.com

From the MGB Registrar Some Notes on MGB Hardtops

-e recent mention of hardtops in my Reqistrar's report in the MGB river ( ~ a r l ~ p r i l ) b rou~h t forth sev- p d -

era1 interesting c6m&ents,so I thought a few words on MGB hardtops in general might be of interest to members.

The MGR "works" hardtop was always a n optional extra, intrdduced in lune 1963 and officially listed until 1976 in home market brochures. It was still quoted in parts lists as an optional extra to the end of production and, while it may have been sold as a n aftermarket part through Unipart from 1976 onwards, research in the production records revealed that small numbers of cars did leave Abingdon with factory-fitted hardtops almost to the end of production in 1980, and that almost without exception, these cars were exported to Canada.

The works hardtop was the only style of hardtop offered by the factory from 1963 to the end of production. Originally available in a variety of

colors, from 1966 it came only in black. A white hardtop on a Primrose yellow car would be inappropriate as this color was only introduced in 1967. Hardtops were supplied in primer and also available as factory- fit in colors.

Basically the hard top design was unchanged over the production period. It was made from fiberglass and incorporated a toughened glass rear window, as well as two perspex rear quarterlights in aluminum frames, with aluminum trim around the door window openings.

36 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-May/Jui~e 2004 37

From the MGB Registrar - Contin~red from Page 37

Two locating brackets below the rear window latched under the hood retaining plates on the rear tonneau panel and the hardtop was then fas- tened with over-center toggle catches to the hood header rail brackets on the windscreen frame. It was then bolted to a locating bracket on each rear quarter inner panel just behind the doors.

The original works hardtop colors were, Red, Blue, Black Old English White and Gray and for most color schemes there was a choice of up to four of these "approved" hardtop colors. However, all colored hardtops were discontinued a t the end of 1966, and thereafter the hardtop was always painted black if factory fitted, although it was frequently supplied in primer when sold as an aftermarket spare part.

Numerous non-factory hardtops were available especially in the early years of MGB production. One interesting variation was the "Bermuda" hardtop by Classic Motor Crafts. Made of laminated glass fiber plastic with roof lights and rear quarter lights. I t had a slightly concave- curved rear view panel of '18" clear perspex set in rubber beading with a plastic chrome insert, while others, like the Ashley, attempted to convert the MGB roadster into a fast back coupe, like the MGBIGT but usually with less success.

A rather neat hardtop, without rear quarterlights was offered in Australia, probably locally sourced and also probably supplied by BMC Australia as its original equipment hardtop. In other countries, especially the USA, locally made hardtops were also available.

For example, the Dynaplastics "Royal Coachman" landau hardtop for the MGB was similar in shape to the srandard BMC hardtop. Made of fiberglass double shell insulated con- struction, it had an elegant exterior finish of embossed vinyl-leather. Ian Cunningham ('63 MGB) wrote to say

that he has a Royal Coachman ("MGB 114BB-serial #9360") which makes the car nice and snug in Ohio winters, despite being a little noisy. Of course this was never a problem on the work's competition MGBs because inside, when at full throttle, they were a t the top of the decibel meter! Dynaplastics (based in El Centro, California) also made a top with a removable panel in the roof and opening rear quarter windows (similar to those on the MGB GT) and this was featured in the MGB Driver some two years ago.

We also had the top we mentioned previously made by Parrish Plastics (now Smoothline) and of course, for many years AMCO sold a hardtop for the MGB. My own per- sonal hardtop was made by Custom Hardtops of Long Beach, California, a company now sadly devoted to off- road hardtops, camper shells and the like. This was called a "Snugtop", and it is interesting to note that each top was individually numbered, presum- ably to be easily traceable should it ever be stolen!

I sometimes tend to think that there was a greater variety of hardtops offered in England than here in the USA. And why not? The vagaries of the British climate was not terribly conducive to open top motoring, while here in America the whole pur- pose of having a n MGB tourer was to get the top down and the wind in your hair! It is also known that, in the U.S.A. in 1978 and later, dealers would sometimes give a free hardtop away with the car as a n incentive to buy. This would never have happened in England!

Some strange creations were offered in the UK for the MGB, and even the smaller specialists had their own hardtop range. Perhaps the most noteworthy was Lenham, who from their factory in Kent, offered a range of tops for every kind of British sports car. Apart from a standard work's style hardtop known as the

"Easyfitting" top they also had a fitting service whereby they would install their "Amilite Sun Roof" in your own hard top. This sun roof could opened fully, or be opened half way, and was manufactured from tinted, solar cool, glass with bonded in hinges for tilting and specially designed pegs which allowed the glass to be removed completely.

Fibersports in Essex, offered a "Sebring Targa" hardtop with two detachable roof sections, split down the center, one or both of which could easily be removed and stored in the trunk. The large wrap around rear window stayed on the MGB in the form of a central hoop section. However, 1 found these to nearly always leak! John Hill's MGB Centre also offered a replica 'works style' hard top as did Honeybourne Moldings. These two were almost exactly the same. Mill Garage offered a hardtop a t around 30 quid in the mid-sixties and that was a lot of money in those days. The standard works hardtop ex-factory cost £71 in 1964. (But there were four dollars to a pound back then!)

The Ashley tops required removal of the trunk lid and the overall effect was to convert the MGB tourer into a "Fastback" version, however, this top was a pain to install and people gen- erally left the top on once it was fitted. Heron and Crayford were other companies who offered hardtops.

Most of these companies also manufactured tops for the Midget and fitting was very similar.

Today's hardtops on otfer in the USA are mainly manufactured by Smoothline, although we have seen a number of hardtops imported from England which in our opinion are poorly made, and fit where they touch! At least two of our major sup- pliers still offer Smoothline/Parrish type MGB hardtops, and a t least one supplier in the Midwest can also sup- ply hardtop rubber seals and fittings, for refurbishment of your top

So, there you have it. This is by no means the definitive hardtop arti-

cle and I would welcome input from any members who can add to the story. One last aerodynamic thought to bear in mind. Fitting a hardtop to your MGB roadster can add at least two, possibly three MPH to your top speed! That's why you see so many guys racing and rallying vintage 'Bs. who normally have the hurdtop in place during events. Every mile per hour counts!

Marcham Rboade The writer also acknowledges

information by Anders Clausager and Stuart Turner in the preparation of this feature.

And now for our latest registrants- Thanks!:

David Higham '77 MGB

William Arnold '66 MGB

Michael Day '77 MGB

Dan & Nancy Herman '65 MGB

Norman Peacey '73 MGB

Richard Semmens '77 MGB

William Lane '79 MGBs (Z), '70 MGB

lames Harwood '74l/2 MGB

Gary Hansford '71 MGB

Matthias Pfaeffl '78 MGB

Robert Pedrazzi '80 MGB LE

Frank Linse '74 MGB & '71 MGB GT

Dan Degusta '64 MGB

Tim Swain '73 MGB

Achilles Scontsas '79 MGB

jay Marquess '77 MGB & '79 MGB

Bill Anderson '74 MGB 8

MG News Original Owner Registrar Needed 1 - -

their stories in MCB Driver are asked to contact Peter a t (856)778-3695 or e- mail TUbJDRAMGB@hotmail.com for the details of what is involved.

Search For Previous Owner A good friend of mine from

Denmark bought a n MG from over here five or six years ago. While driving in the States, the car had license plate number "California 1 PI2 450" and the car was a red 197 1 MGB GT. The owner's name was supposedly a Mr. Lana. Can anyone recognize the plate or the owner? My friend would very much like to get jn touch with him in order to trace the car's history as far back as possible. Sen.d me a note a t Byskovjensen@aol.com, or write to me: 5316 Wingate Drive, Apt. B, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122.

Safety Fast! and best wishes, -Tens Byskov Jensen

Member 13-5452

MGs Across America on DVD MGs Across America has been re-

released on DVD. This British video is one of a series of programs produced by British Car Films tracing the history of the major British marques in post-World Wur 11 America. Filmed during the summer of 1996, it includes coverage of the first all- Register MG meet in North America, MG '96 in Indianapolis. Also included are rare archive films, MG racing in the U.S. from the 1940s to the 1990s, beautifully restored MG cars, exclu- sive MG shows, revealing U.S. murket- ing and promotional films, the late Gerry Coguen's MG museum, one of the world's largest MG model collec- tions, extraordinary owners and more. The DVD also includes a slide

show featuring individual pictures of classic MGs across the U.S.

Copies of the 100-minute DVD can be purchased in U.S. video formot direct from British Car Films a t only $29.95 plus $3.95 shipping & han- dling by calling (800)454-8341 or going to www.british-car-films.com.

Watkins Glen MG Vintage Racers Focus Event--September 10- 12

We're expecting over 100 MGs racing there. MG is the Featured Marque for the race weekend! Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the "Collier Brothers Memorial MG Race" There will be TWO all MG Collier Cup Feature Races on Sunday. Pre-War & Ts first, and then later model MGs. MGVR Dinner Friday Evening. Watkins Glen "Downtown Festival" Friday afternoon "Featuring MG". This event is coming together in an incredible way-you just gotta be there! Be sure to get a room reservation early if you need one. Area rooms WILL be SOLD OUT! The North American MGA Register

lplease rum to page 42)

Restored Route 66 filling station in Odell, Illinois.

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Don Hoods By bnlnq an on m e bred compny,wwc arc abie to keep carts low and n>ac2.n a Rwderr avderng grrcrn chat 8s quick and LICT 1r.endiy.W~ rave L-IC p w f ~ 6- nos: Brf . l l? ~ I ~ . . ~ L C I and T D ~ C I S IP well Mota-Lita

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Halogen Bums for Most British

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MGB DRIVER-May/Junc 2004

MG News - Continued from Page 4

and the New England MGT Register will both have gatherings there that weekend in conjunction with the racing, and will cheer you on! Contacts: Sports Car Racinq Association (SVRA): i n the Web at &.svra.com. or cab: 404-298-3323

Tri le Crown Endurance Series- Lo [ e Michigan Grand Tour

The 2004 running of the Grand Lake Tour is only a short time away!

Attached is a "rules" sheet for the Triple Crown Endurance Series as well as a registration form for the Grand Lake Tour. I've also attached a ydf file of the UML summer party reunion ... there is hotel information included in it, as well as info on the UML Summer party.

Please be advlsed that the Hilton is sold out ... but the Excel is rjght across the street, and there are several other hotels very close to the Hilton. We already have a couple of earlybird registration ... a n MGB from Mlchigan and a Iaguar from Illinois .....

The TwoRicks promise a scenic, yet challenging rallye ..

But wait ... there's more! We will also offer a "mini" rallye 01 about 500 miles that will run on Thursday ...p lease spread the word!

Please e-mail me with ques- tions.. or, you can call me during the day a t (217)366-1278 or in the evening at (21 7)469-2007

See you in Grand Rapids!

-Rick Verhey R i c k Ingram TwoRickRacin'-A Division o f Team

Fokowie Rallye Masters-2004 Grand Lake Tour

Total MG Debuts New in July in the field of MG

publishing is Total MG from Britain. Phil Raby, former Editor of the late MG World, is Publishing Editor and David Knowles, frequent MGB Driver contrib- utor and renowned MG author, is Editor-at-Large. Subscription informa-

tion can be found at www.totalmg.com.

Rubber Bumper MGB Warning Joe Curto, S.U. carburettor expert

and supplier (and MGB Driver advertiser), sends the following warning which reiterates previous warnings published in MGB Driver about late MGB fuel lines.

"Disaster was narrowly averted in my shop recently when the fuel feed hose on a very low mileage Rubber Bumper MGB decided of its own accord to spring a leak. It was on the hose from the tank to the pump. This hose was split and crumbled apart in my hands when I tried to pinch it off and actuully snapped in two. All the while, I was the only man in the shop and at least a gallon of raw fuel was under the car and I was covered in fuel. It was not my turn to die that day, but it could have been. Wad it happened one hour later I would have been home and ten gallons would have been drained onto the floor, and I shudder to think of the consequences.

The fuel line was original and sort of looked like it was vinyl material without any reinforcing cord in it. This was also used on the carbon can- ister as well as on the pump to the line hose. It actually looks like a very nice hose but it splits and breaks without much provocation. GET RID OF THIS STUFF!

Please feel free to spread this information around and refer any doubters to me"

-1oe Curto, S. U. Carb Expert joecurto@aol.com 4

1 Year Subscri~tion Call us at

Full Color More Technical Articles More Pages More Project Cars More Vintage Racing

* Multi Marque

Technical Talk by Bob Mason

Using Correct Shock Bolts The bolts securing the front shock absorbers on the MGB chrome bumper cars are hardened and are 1 inch in length. The securing bolts on rubber bumper cars are 11/8 inch in length-all measured from the bottom of the hex head of the bolt to the tip. Since all of the threaded holes for each shock absorber bolt do not always go all the way through the threaded attaching plate on which the shock absorber rests, it is very important that a bolt of the correct length is used. If you happen to lose a bolt, purchase a Grade-8 bolt from your friendly auto parts store. Make sure that it is the correct length for your particular car, shortening it to the correcl length if necessary. Be sure to use a lock washer and torque the bolts to the correct figure.

Brake Caliper Installation A Register member had a problem bleeding his brakes on a n MGB after removing the brake calipers to install new brake rotors and brake hoses. Discussion finally revealed that the calipers had been reversed on installation, leaving the bleed screws at the bottom of the calipers, and the driver did admit that the new hoses did seem to be a bit tight and with little free movement. Correct installation of the calipers allowed the correct amount of free movement of the brake hoses and the brakes were easily bled. Remember that the calipers are "handed" and that when correct- ly installed, the bleed screw will always be a t the top of the cal i~er .

More Anti-Sway Bar Info From the start of production, the 9/16

inch diameter anti-sway bar on the MGB convertible was a n "optional extra" until November of 1966 at car number 108039. After that the anti- sway bar was standard equipment

until 1974'/z with the introduction of the rubber bumper models. A '/8-inch anti-sway bar was standard equipment on the MGB GT from the start of production to the end of production in the U.K. in 1980. The 1974'/2 to 1976 MGB convertible did not have a front anti-sway bar, but the 1977- 1980 models all came with a front and rear anti-sway bar. The 2 anti- sway bar bracket mounting captive nuts are all fitted to the earlier cars, so it is an easy matter to install the correct front lower control arms to these earlier cars for the fitting of the anti- sway bar vertical links. Any of the different sizes of bars can be fitted as long as the correct sized rubber mounting bushes are also fitted. The installation of an anti-sway bar on an earlier car will make a surprising difference in the roadability of these cars on any corner at any speed.

Overbored Master Cylinder An MGB driver recently acquired a 1974 model with a leaking tandem brake master cylinder. Disassembly of this unit revealed inner piston components that only remotely resembled the cross-section picture in the Haynes Workshop Manual. This unit had a solid metal rod connecting the 2 pistons and with no roll pin to dis- connect the 2 pistons to replace the rubber seals. A call was made to john Twist for a possible explanation, which was quickly forthcoming. It seems that this master cylinder was a unit rebuilt by a company who bored the cylinder oversize and then installed their own oversize rubber seals. This was a fine procedure while their rubber seals lasted, but when the need for new rubber seals arrived, this oversize procedure made the master cylinder impossible to rebuild with the standard Lockheed seal kit. The end result is a new master cylinder must be purchased. Another case of "you get what you pay for" (sometimes). Remember-if the internal

pistons and connecting link with roll pin are not identical to that which is shown in the Workshop Manual, your new Lockheed seal kit will not work on this particular, overbored cylinder.

Special Parts & Tools from Eastwood The Eastwood Company (1-800-345- 1178) offers many specialized parts and tools for the Do-It-Yourselfer. One useful item is their black self-vulcan- izing cold shrink tape (part #25051 A) which is easily stretched, and after just a short time, will tightly adhere and become impossible to separate without the use of a knife. Another very useful item is their Kopr-Shield electrical anti-corrosion c6mpound (part #25002). This compound can easily be applied to distributor cap towers which secure the ignition wires, on the metal "bullet" ends of electrical wires, on fuse box clips, the wire end male/female connectors, etc. This material will reduce or eliminate surface corrosion and increase the conductivity of any electrical connec- tion at any point.

More on Water Pump Fan Blades There are several types of metal or plastic fan blades fjtted to the water pumps of our Brjtjsh cars, and for each, there js a right way and a n incorrect way of mounting them to the water pump. Most factory fan blades have a center support to which the fan blades are mounted (or mold- ed to with the plastic fans), and almost always, this fan base should be installed facing the radiator. This will then position the curvature of each blade facing the engine. Some aftermarket blade assemblies, usually those fitted to cars with a n aftermarket air conditioner unit, may have the supporting base fitted at the engine side of the blade unit, but the curvature of the blades themselves should be facing the engine.

Overflow Tanks MGBs from 1962-1976 have u vented cooling system that leaves an air gap at the top of the radiator which, when cold, will have about an inch of air space between the top of the radiator and the top level of the coolant. Cars from 1977-1980 have a coolant recovery system with an expansion overflow tank as standard equipment, a feature which creates a sealed cooling system that always maintains a completely full radiator and leaves no inner air space where rust can start.

(please turn to puye 461

SHOCK A B s 0 R B E R s : ~ r o n t Rear MGTC 165 00 165 00 MGTD a TF 18s 00 60185 n t r n 69 95 49Y5 ,","- VGB LlGC Mldget 69 95 49 95 HEAVY DUTY UPGRADE 10 00 1 3 OD SHOCK LINK (Yew or Rebu,ll) Scat;

BRAKES : sleeved and rebuilt IvlGB, hl~dgel caliper .. . . ... .. . . . .. .. .S75.00 P.1GAb.lSC cal!;rer . . .. . S135 OC MGA htldgel I i v~n master1 955-1 957 $1 75 DO LiGB M~dgel master :95@-86 .. . 5 ' 2 5 'J(1

IdGC brake master . .. .. . .. . . . . . .. $1 75.CO MGC Sooster servo . . . .. . 5375.00 B-ake & C i ~ l c h cyl,nders brass sleeved . ..S40-75 K!ng?ln swivel axle rebushed ....... ..... 530-580 Fron: end a-arm {Lli.l:dcjet) . .. . . .. . ... . 575.00

CARBURET0RS:CCfiAPLETE RERUILD1h"G Disassetnbi~, cisanrog Scdtes rebushed. riew lnrorlie sllaf?s, ]e ls rieedles,iioar valves, gasicers, Fiow ber;ch :es!i'd. .. ...... . .. ...... ..... S365.OC1pa:r

CAR8 BODiES REBUSHED. end new Inrottie shafts . .. .. S55.CO each -

Prices sho;vn are fgr Exchange or Yours Reburit Core charges spply if !:ems are orclered prior fo (end are rer'unoed after) our recei8/ing your old unrr S/H S4 00-S8.00 per Item. FREE CATALOG VP!# appiehydraul . ;~~. c~n,

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Technical Talk - Contir~ued from Page 45

Fortunate drivers of the earlier cars be minimal lost motion; but the more A Happy Reunion

may be able to locate one of those later factory original overflow tanks and install this unit on their cars. If such a tank is unavailable, NAPA Auto Parts is now offering a coolant recovery tank unit on their part #730- 4514, which can be installed at a con- venient location. When using this tank or any other type on a pre-1977 MGB, you must also use a n available type of coolant recovery radiator cap and seals to the top of the radiator filler neck. This type of radiator cap is available from NAPA Auto Parts on their part #703-1319 for a 10-pound pressure cap and part #703-1445 for a 13-pound pressure cap. Coolant system rusting can cause cylinder block or radiator blockage and damage water pump seals. As such, it is a good idea to reduce this problem before any major incidents occur.

Lost Motion Lost motion between the MGB master cylinder pushrod and the top of the pedal is not too important; but in the clutch operation, all lost motion can create a bit of a problem. From the factory, the holes a t the top of the clutch pedal a t the front of the clutch master cylinder pushrod, and at the clutch slave cylinder, were perfectly round. In time, the elongation of these holes and the worn grooves in the clevis pins will create lost motion problems and not allow the clutch unit to become complete disengaged when the pedal is pushed to the floor during each gear change. It is easy to check how much free play may exist a t each of these points of metal contact by simply moving each area of contact to see how much movement (lost motion) there is in the clevis pin area. if the holes a t each contact point are circular (round) there will

excess movement at any point before pedal pressure is felt, the less total pedal travel will be available for the correct amount of total clutch disen- gagement. New clutch assembly components and the labor to install them can be a bit pricey; but early replacement of the pushrods, clevis pins, and even pedal repair or replacement is minimal in charge compared to a new clutch assembly.

Inspect Those Brake Pipes Some of our MGBs are over 40 years old, and others are well over 20 or 30 years old. As with many things that are out-of-sight out-of-mind, the metal brake pipes on these cars are probably about the same age. From 1968 onwards, these cars have a dual (split) brake pipe system, where the failure of one system still leaves the driver with a separate system to safely stop the car. The cars from 1967 and earlier have only one hard pipe system and when one of these older pipes develops a hole from rust- through or breakage at a point where the pipe is rubbing on "something". If this occurs all hydraulic fluid will be lost and the driver's only remuining salvation will be a parking brake that will hopefully slow the car before hit- ting something. Take a good look a t all of your brake pipes and hoses to check for any indication of a problem, especially a t the rear axle pipes running to the wheel cylinders. If there is any doubt as to the condition of any component, the installation of new pipes and hoses is fur cheaper than a visit to your friendly auto body repair shop-or the nearest hospital. Remember the factory motto of "Safety Fast!" and John Twist's com- ments on the importance of a safely function braking system. a

4, 1; y name is Doug Stuhlmann , a n d I have lived my entire life in St. Louis, Missouri. In 5975,

during my final semester in high school, I purchased a used, Citron- colored, chrome-bumper, 1974 MGB with approximately 28,000 miles on the odometer. The name of the deal- ership was Klinke Volkswagen of Alton, Illinois. 1 should've known with a name like Klinke-it reminded me of the word clunker-that something would be wrong with the car. The problem was quickly apparent and my high school graduation present was a rebuilt engine! (This was later to be a plus for me.) During the next two years, I drove the MG to college west of St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri, approximately 200 miles from home. I returned home to finish school and sold the car in 1978 with approximately 60,000 miles showing. The individual who purchased the car also lived west of St. Louis in a small town 60 miles away.

Time passed quickly and I found myself chauffeuring my 12-year-old daughter 26 years later to the west of St. Louis to Okluhoma City in late May to compete in a tennis tourna-

ment. About sixty miles west of St. Louis, traveling ut about 75 mph, I passed a run down truck repair shop with a Citron colored 'B in the lot among some beat up trucks. The color of the car really stood out and I immediately thought of my 'B and the chances of seeing one the same color in the same area where I thought it went when I sold it 25 years ago. Three days later, on the way back from Oklahoma City, I slowed down enough to look at the car and decided to maybe do more than look.

I am a saver of what my wife calls junk, but 1 call "Memories". When I got home that week, I looked and found ( I knew I had it) some papers on the 'B including the VIN number. I also knew I was going west again the following weekend with my daughter to compete in another tennis tournament, this time in Springfield, Missouri. Needless to say, we left early-her with a racquet and me with my VIN number.

When we got to the shop, my heart was pounding und when I checked the VIN number on the car

(please turn lo page 48)

A Happy Reunion = Continued from Page 47

with my papers, 1 felt like I had just won the lottery! Without a doubt this was my car! I opened the door and a flood of memories came a t me- where I drove it, who was with me, anything that happened with the car-and it just about blew me over.

I called my wife and told her the qood (?) news. Without missinq a beat ;he bought the car for me. I &en told her of some of the memories (including those involving a girl I hud dated when 1 owned the car-open mouth insert foot-she knew her and it was almost a deal breaker!).

The car shows 96,000 miles on the odometer but with the engine rebuilt a t approximately 30,000 miles, jt has lots of life left. A dentist

in a small town called Bourbon, Missouri owned it for most of its life and was his "toy". Sadly, he is grave- ly i l l with cancer and the repair shop owner had power of attorney to sell the cur.

1 paid $2400.00 for it including the tow to St. Louis and it is now a t Hi-Tech Restorations in St. Louis beins sorted out as it does need some rust: suspension, steering, upholstery, and paint work. John Mangles, the owner of the shop, asked when I would like the work completed. I told him it really didn't matter-it's been so long what's another year!

P.S. When I first drove this car 25 years ago, I had hair! a

Registrars of the NAMGBR MGB Registrar and -01 Rwistrar Marchum Rhoade ~.b. Box 8645, Galeta, CA 93117 (805)683-2906 e-mail: kensca@earthlink.net

Midqet Reqistrar D Zimmerman 81 1 S. DePeyster Street, Kent, OH 44240, (330)678-9394 e-mail: enmgr@sssnet.com

1974'/2 MGB Reqistrar Steve Marding 1913-D Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083, (610)446-2073 e:mail: mgbgtl@hotmuil.com

MGB V8 Reqistrar Dan Masters P.O. Box 6430, Maryville, TN 37802 (865)982-9373 e-mail: DANMAS@aol.com

Pull Handle MGB Reqistrar Bill Barge 930 N. 350 E., Angola, IN 46703, (260)665-6476 e-mail: b rgrng~ol .com

MGB Limited Edition Ron Tugweli 3 De Arnaral Road, P.O. Box 2406, Carmel Valley, CA 93924. (831)659-2449 e-mail: tuywell@ix.netcom.com

MG 1 100/ 1300 Reqistrar Scott Williams 501 N.E. Emmett St., Topeka, KS 66616 (785)234-8101 e-mail: mgl100@oldertech.com

100,000 Mile Re~istrar Jai Deagan 11825 Columbia Highway Eaton Rapids, M1 48827 e-mail: ]Deayan@aol.com

Oriqinal Owner Reqistrar Peter Cosmides 219 Pleasant Valley Avenue, Moorestown, NI 08057, (856)778-3695, e-mail: TUNDRAMGB@hotmail.com

Hammer & Tonqs Registrar Phil Smith 203 N. Pennington Sycamore, OH 44882 e-mail: m~psmith@udata.com

Book Review - Continued from Page 7

tern. Since owning the book, whenev- y~zide should be available from most er I have planned a trip I have local bookstores or can be easily checked the section of the book cover- found online from the major chain ing the area I was going just to see if websites. Pick up a copy then pick there were any great roads that I your route and pack your bags. could take in along the way. The Happy driving! OM

The MGB in Movies - Continued from Page 21

James Bond in front of a hotel. It's almost not on the screen long enough to mention, but 1 will anyway because it's a James Bond film.

Another Richard Harris film with a MGB playing a very prominent role was "This is the Sea". Made in 1998, it was about problems between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. Gabriel Byrne drives a red chrome bumper 'B around during a lot of the movie.

If the problems of Belfast aren't sad enough for you, topping the most tragic MGB movie scene ever had to be a t the end of the 1997 movie "Prefontaine" which was about the great American runner Steve

Prefontaine. In the movie, as actually happened, Steve Prefontaine was driving his MGB home one night when he had a wreck in which he was killed. At the time of his death, he held every American running record from 2000 to 10,000 meters and was considered the gold medal favorite for the 5000 a t the next Olympics.

I'm sure that there has to be more movies where MGBs got some decent screen time and why wouldn't there be? It's a beautiful car and would add tons of class to any production. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for films staring our beloved car and if you find some, let me know!

45th Anniversary of introduction of the MGB drivers in the Philly MG the Austin Healey Sprite. Since the Club when we go for a cruise. But I later Sprites and the Midgets are can still take 'em in the twisry bits!! cousins, I was welcomed to the All in all I am a very satisfied driver. I party. I missed the afternoon drive, plan to get a new engine in the car but drove in the autocross. One of this spring. This one will huve the the folks there was Daniel Stapleton neat cam, the high compression pis- from England. Daniel writes books tons, the headers, that the old one about power tuning the Sprite and did. However, I am adding a set of 1 Midget. Some of you may have '12" S.U. carbs to the mix. I am hoping copies. Daniel has this same tranny this will make the car a bit faster and in his Midget in England. We chat- more drivable. ted for a bit and compared notes I think this can be done in a day, about the drivability of this combi- or perhaps two if enough instructions nation. I think he has a bit different are available, the right tools are on differential, so his is a bit quicker off hand, and you do not huve to scram- the line. Or so we think-his car was ble for thrust washers and engines. not on this side of the pond for a Would I do it again?? In a heart direct comparison. beat!! It makes too much of an

What 1 a m finding is that the 5- improvement of the car, with out los- speed allows me to further enjoy the ing any of the fun tossability that the car on the highway, Jt also gives me a Midget .already has. few more revs to use to keep up with Do it i f you can. fi 50 MGB D R I V E R - - M ~ V / J L I ~ ~ 2004

Basic B - Cont inu~d from Page 34

pedal is depressed about halfway at 2000 rpm. the tachometer very short- ]y swings to the right. The most obvi- ous indication that the supercharger is working its magic is the geary whine coming from immediately in front of the steering wheel.

The only problem so far is keeping the engine warm enough. WE like it to run a t 195 O F . The mechanical fan has been removed and a n electric fan operates when the radiator gets hot (there is a temperature sensor inserted into the radiator fins). Interestingly, the engine seems to cool down if the supercharger is used very often. We have blocked off most of the grill with Celotex building material (painted

black and virtually invisible) in the hope that we can keep the engine warm this winter.

We ordered road spares from Eclechc Motors LLC: one serpentine belt, two idler pulleys and one alternator pulley to build up a spare alternator with fresh bearings. These ull fit in a very small box, and will be easy to carry. We hope we will never need them. The supercharger itself can be serviced through a subsidiary of the Eaton Corporation, Marshall, Michigan.

The performance is all we hoped for. The increased safety margin for a car that has good steering and brakes, und now has umplc power us well, is comforting when facing the reality of today's traffic. a

r% #E.J>t- IGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

I Our Valued Supporters

I Autometrlcs Restorations I m a k g ia qudity restoratiom d €me British Gts

By Appaintmcnt only

Knut Holzer 908-4636633

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AUTOSPORT b Tucker J. Madawick

Owner/British Car & MG Specialist

by appointment only (812) 334-1 700 21 10 Vernal Pike FAX (812) 334-1712 Bloomington, IN 47404 www.a utosportinc.com email: tuckerQautosportinc.com

Ford S~erra corlvcrsio~l kits for:

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Contact: Butch White

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Norman Nock Technical Adv~sor

(209) 948-8767

20EO N. Wiison Way . Stockion, CA 95205 Fax. 12C9) 948-1030 - E-Mall healey Doc@aol corn

RESTORATION . SERVICE REPAIRS - PARTS

Our Valued Supporters - -

Advertise YOUR business in the MGB Driver

for less than $10.00 a month. Call us at (757)484-5611

to find out how! - -

Bob Connell Owner

Service for the MG Motor Car

Connell's MG Service Ltd. 6667 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226

317.545.61 08 Fax 31 7.475.0544

SYRITEPvIIDGET & MGB 5-Speed T1-ans~nission Conversion Kits

SPRLTE/MIDGET Limited Slips -

Rivergate Restoration Products 233-A industrial Park Drive

Soddy-Daisy. TN 37379 423-332-2030

ivww.rivergate5sveed.com

GENUINE JOE CURT0 INC.

, @ Spec~al~zing In S U & Zenith-Stromberg Carburetors Brltlsh Car Parts and Repa~r

22-09 126th St College Point, NY 1 1356

SPARES 71 8-762-SUSU (762-7878)

FAX: 71 8-762-6287

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MG COSAS PARTS BUY SELL * TRADE

JIM & ESTHER UDKLER 24027 CROSSLAND OWNERS SAN ANTONIO, TX 78264

Bias-ply or radials? C _ _ , a s a r _ ~ r , a r a - > ~ ~ ~ ~ . - Q a 0

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Our answers are based upon a quarter century of experrence. Please call for wheel related parts informatic ?.

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56 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004 MGB DRIVER-May/June 2004

1, Huntersc ribe@Class ---

Where 2 'B The Marketplace of the North American MGB Register

4 ds in this section are FREE to individual MGB Register members in good stand- / ; . ,) ing-please no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, address,

i '.phone number and membership number to 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's Grove, IL 60515. Ads only accepted in writing. Business or other ads by arrange- ment with Michael Pentecost, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front cover). Ads will be run for two (2) issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad.

CARS FOR SALE 1963 MGB Roadster-Excellent condition. Red wlblack interior, original 3- main engine, new starter, dynamo, spin-on oil filter (old style filter parts too), John Twist rebuilt distributor, new coil, plugs, etc. Stow away top and tonneau. $10,000 Located in O'Fallon, IL. Phone (618)628-9081 or e-mail bennfam l@juno.com I L 1964 MGB ROADSTER-This car is running but needs restoration. Has chrome wire wheels and new rear shocks. Interior stripped out, soft top on but needs replacement. New Tires, all electrjcs work. Second place a t New Orleans car show, this car is by no means concours. $2,000.00/ONO E-mail or call for pics details. Car is red. (504)881 0281 or e-mail mercpaul@hotmail.com 1.A 1973 MGB GT-Flame Red. OD Transmission. Black int., AC, sliding roof, 15" Dayton chrome wire wheels and C bonnet. This car has been restored to lik new condition with everything rebuilt or new Detailed to show cond. Man lsP Place awards. $12,900/080. And 1980 MGB LE-Black, Black and BLck. Original Owner, 7,000 Miles. Overdrive. This car is as new us can be, high1 detailed and in show condition. $15,900/080 Health reasons force sales. Ca6 (616)241-1478 or e-mail jlcar@comcast.net MI 1975 MGB Tundra-Pretty, RARE, green color-52,676 original mjlcs. All but original, showroom, condition. This is a rare find. No restoration needed. It's ready to drive and show. Multiple show winner, including the concours TOP POINTS car a t NAMGBR 2000. Car is 99.9% original. Third owner, garage kept, lightly driven. Wires, OVERDRIVE, original factory hardtop, added non-original frontlrear sway bars. Original interior, paint, tonneau covers and much more. lust passed PA emissions inspection as well. You have to see it to appre- ciate it. I have a bunch of other stuff Lo go with car as well. Asking $12,225.00, or reasonable offer. Worth it? I believe so! Easier than a restoration job. Give Jeff a call at (717)569-7705, 9:OO-4:00 or (717)656-6893 after 5:OO. email: jef- frutt@communicationsgroupinc.com PA 1979 MGB LE-Second owner. Rare original car, like new condition. lust over 43,000 original miles. Everything works. Has electric overdrive. Over $1000 in new spare parts, hardtop, good soft top, NEW original factory soft top still in box! Make reasonable offer. Serious inquiries only. (619)787-2339 or (619)501- 2655 Please leave message. CA 1980 MGB V8 Conversion-Professionally restored and built up conversion by Glen Towery. 1962 aluminum block Buick engine with 5-speed transmission and 3:31 MGC reur axle meant for higher speeds. Red with black interior, allov spoke wheels, many suspension upgrades. $14,000 Call John ort tense; (630)983-4161 IL 1980 MGB LE-Black, Black and Black. Original Owner, 7,000 Miles. Overdrive. This car is as new as can be, highly detailed and in show condition. $16,9001080 Health reasons force sales. Call (616)241-1478 or e-mail jlcar@comcast.net MI ifi

55 MGB DRTWR-May/June 2004

Forthcoming Events of Interest to MG Drivers -' lease check for up to date information before de artin to the meet. The - Register encourages local groups and clubs to su & mlt t ?I eir MG events to

MGB Driver. Information must include date, locat~on, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least three months In advance to the Editor, 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's Grove, 11 605 15.

MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2004 May 2, Get the Dust Off Rallye and Wlnery Tour, Baltimore, MD (410)592-3029

or e-mail ENSalminen@aol.com May 8, Sports Cars at Tannehill, Tannehlll Hlstoric S.P., AL (205)307-9461 May 15, MGs a t Jack London Square. Oakland, CA (415)333-9699 or

MikesMuseum@yahoo.com May 22-30, British Car Week, BritCarWeek@asczip.com or

www.britishcarweek.org Mav 28-30, Champagne British Car Festival, Champaign, I L (309)662-3020 rune 6. British 1niaGon of Fort Meiqs, ~errysburq, OH (4 19)878-204 1 or see ' www.lakeerieb~jtishnews@att.net-

]une 11-12, Heartland MG Regional, St. Joseph, MO, (816)795-9628 or e-mail info@heartlandmg.com

June 11-13, Rallye Glenwood Springs, Denver/Glenwwod Springs, CO, (303)797-1844 or c-mail rakin9@aol.corn

June 13, British Car Day South, Salisbury, NC, (704)843-5821 June 13, Michiana Brits Car Show, South Bend, IN, (574)277-0240 June 20, British Car Field Day, Sussex WI June 24-27, MG 2004 NAMGBR1s 1 3 ~ ~ Annual Convention, Parsippany, NJ

www.MG2004.com June 28, Phil Wicks Driving Academy, Blackhawk Farms, Rockford, IL

(314)646-0123** July 9-11, British Car Days Over The Bridge, Prince Edward Island, Canada,

(902)964-3294 or e-mail rtbentle@isn.net July 11, British Invade Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA, (717)979-,9242 or e-mail

Ralphperiksen@yahoo.corn ]uly 12-16, GoF Central, Fairborn, OH, 513-523-3720 or garnetgl@muohia.edu July 14-29, NAMGAR GT-29, Cromwell, CT, (203)647-1387 or

maudechuck@aol.com Iuly 17, London to Brighton Run, London, IN, (317)887-3867 or

mgdr@quiknet.net August 7, British Car Day 2004, Dayton, OH (937)293-2819 or

MGBSkip@aol . corn ' August 12-15, University Motors Summer Party Reunion, Grand Rapids, MI

(616)682-0800 or johntwist@universitymotorsltd.com August 12-13. Grand Lake Tour Around Lake Michigan Endurance Rally,

Grand Rapids, MI (217)469-2007 or mowogl@aol.com* August 22, Vanderbilt Invitational Concours Car Show. Centerport, NY

(631)513-0089 or e-mail: MGZABC@optonline.net August 29, A Taste of Britain, Lancaster, PA (717)292-0579 or e-mail:

sh88keys@adelphia.net Sept. 5, Autumn Sports Classic, Lancaster, NY (716)537-2137 Sept. 10-12, Collier Cup MG Race, Watkins Glen, NY MGracer53@aol.com Sept. 12, Chicago British Car Festival, Palos Hills, TL (630)773-4806 or

wsk@elanengr.com ipleose turn to puge 351

MGB D R l v E R - - ~ a ~ / ~ u n e 2004 59

PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE

Effingharn, I1 Permit No. 294

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